Common Sense in the Cold and Flu Season

During the cold and flu season, we ask that you be mindful of the following common sense guidelines. Though we will continue the practice of offering Holy Communion under both species, we ask that you be attentive to these guidelines.

If you are ill or suspect you are ill with a contagious illness, please remain at home and return to church when you are well.

If you are ill or suspect you are ill with a contagious illness and come to church, please refrain from holding hands during the Lord’s Prayer, if that is the custom at the Mass in which you participate.

If you are ill or suspect you are ill with a contagious illness and come to church, please exchange the Sign of Peace without any physical contact for example bowing to the persons nearby and offering a verbal word of peace.

Eucharistic Ministers have been instructed to bring a small container of hand sanitizer to Mass with them and use it after the Sign of Peace, but before coming to the altar to serve, and again after distributing communion.

While you retain the option of receiving Holy Communion on the tongue or in the hand, all ministers of Holy Communion have been advised to distribute the consecrated hosts with care, being cautious not to touch the tongue or the hand of the communicant.